Day 182 - Sisters of the Moon

Have the camera, don't have the cable to connect to computer...

Still, back in Durham to the house with good beer, and this one was a contribution from friend Ross who found it while he was at the beach a few weeks back. More to the yellow than orange, with a fine dry hops hit, this one is darn tasty. I could easily keep a 6-pack of this around for when I want a good beer.

Specs:

Full Name: Sisters of the Moon
Brewed By: Mother Earth Brewing
From: Kinston NC
ABV: unknown, not on label or website

Good to get your faith renewed that good beer does exist out there. I'm not sure if this one quite topples Haxed & Infused from the top palie, but is is very drinkable, and worth finding and drinking (especially if shared with me...)

Thanks Ross!

Day 181 - Samuel Adams Black Lager

Dad needed to get back to Pinehurst, so here I am, watching the sun set over whatever fairway they live on, drinking a lucky find in their fridge (it was either this or a Coors Light left over from when brother Rick was here).

As advertised, this beer is dark black, but is much tamer in taste than a stout or porter, and thank goodness, lacks any kind of fruity adition... Otherwise, it is a decent drink.

Specs:

Full Name: Samuel Adams Black Lager
Brewed by: Samuel Adams
From: Boston MA
ABV: don't know, not really important....

I'll be back up in Durham tomorrow, and back to more interesting beers. It time to discover a new palie to join the top favs.

Day 180 - Holy Mackerel

So, good thing is, I'm back down in Durham to visit my mom and this is a new one the Ned kept from last, so I had someone to drink half of this one..

It's black, and it's bad, really, really, really bad. I mean, who in their right mind really thinks of putting pomegranate juice in beer, and not just beer, but black ale which is just another name for a porter/stout.


Specs:

Full Name: Holy Mackerel Mack in Black
Brewed By: Florida Beer Co (on assignment from some other company)
From: Melbourne FL
ABV: 8%

Pic will come tomorrow, after I recuperate from this one tonight.....

Day 179 - Fuel Cafe

A "Liz pic", black as charcoal, with a taste like an old fire-pit to match. But wait, this is a coffee stout, so all is right. I am thankful though that I am not drinking a frubee...

Specs:

Full Name: Fuel Cafe

Brewed By: Lakefront Brewery, Inc

From: Wilwaukee WI

ABV: 5.93%

In the end, this is not a bad beer, and I will finish it without a true complaint. It is heavy on the roasted malt, and that coffee ground flavor is prominent, but hey, that is what they were shooting for, and they accomplished it. On a cold night, dumped into a pot roast, this would probably be perfect.....;>)

day 178 - Super Bock

This is an interesting beer tonight. According to the web, this is the leading beer brand on the Portuguese market. Of course, I expect Budweiser holds that title in the US, so that claim doesn't hold much water, or make for good beer.

Still, they try and disguise things, by not putting the P word on the label, and having a brown green bottle, but in the end, the taste is not that dissimilar than the usual European export, though perhaps a bit less bitey. You can drink it, and probably a lot, but why?

Specs:

Full Name: Supper Bock
Brewed By: Unicer Group
From: Portugal
ABV: 5.2%


Last comment, but it comes in an 11.2 oz bottle, what is up with that??? For the same price, I could have one of those Regia Extra 32 oz babies from way back in the blog, resulting in much better value.

Day 177 - Cass

"Sound of Vitality", "Fresh","Refreshment with Fuzzy and Crisp Taste". With those words on the bottle, how can I better describe the experience when drinking this beer...

So, clearly I bought this for the almost 22 oz bottle size, with a clear expectation that it would probably be at best drinkable. It rose to that challenge and made it over the bar, though it did wobble a little bit....

Specs:

Full Name: Cass Fresh
Brewed By: Oriental Brewery Co
From: Seoul Korea
ABV: 4.5%


At 4.5% ABV, and the palest of yellows, this one is just a step above water. Still, it is a big bottle, with a shiny label, so could be perceived as a manly beverage, even if it really isn't. If I have to find something good about it, the bottle is quite thick, so if you happen to find yourself in a bar fight situation, make sure you ordered one of these bad boys first...;>)

Day 176 - Session

So, a US beer claiming "premium" status, yet coming in a squat, brown bottle. So much for sterio-types...

More the color of Coke, this one is actually very smooth, with a hint of roasted malt adding a touch of sweetness, which makes it rather drinkable, on a night I did not feel like anything too complex or crazy.

Specs:

Full Name: Session Black
Brewed by: Full Sail Brewing
From: Hood River OR
ABV: 5.4%


So, a tad more ABV than the typical lager, and more taste. Ignoring it is in a 11 oz bottle (?!!), that makes this a good choice for a hot summer day, which btw, it was. After a morning spent doing yardwork and dogging it in the heat, I was home alone for the afternoon, and I capitalized on the fact by working to improve my Call of Duty skills. Alas, I only managed to get them up to "suck" from the previous "totally suck". Elizabeth destroys me, which is sad, though she has been getting practice while recuperating from having her wisdom teeth pulled the other day. Funny though, the pain-killers they put her on made her swear like a drunken sailor, which is only slightly less colorful than her older brother and grandparents... ;>)

Day 175 - Honey Brown

The thing about taking Elizabeth when I go to fill the pipeline, is that she suggests by the name/label, thus coming down the pike are some scary ones...

This one had the potential to be in that group, I mean, honey and beer is a scary combo. This one actually is tolerable though, as the honey is in the background, and it just kind of smoothes out the lager. Given the name, I was expecting something a bit darker, but it is just a few shades towards the brown from yellow.

Specs:

Full Name: Honey Brown Lager
Brewed By: Dundee Brewing Co
From: Rochester NY
ABV: 4.5%

So, not going to fill up the fridge or drive to NY for this one, but if you are looking for something light that is a bit different, or if you are looking to conserve brain cells, this one is decent. Of course, Chris A might suggest using this one to sober up, but he has a unique approach to beer drinking... ;>)

Day 174 - Washington's Porter

This one is almost the color of the sausage that was left on the grill unattended for too long... ;>)

Luckily, it lacks that charcoal taste that the sausage has, and has the characteristic heavy roasted malt flavor common to this genre. Actually, it is quite drinkable considering, or perhaps I am thankful after the last couple flops, and ths more lenient...

Specs:

Full Name: Washington's Porter
Brewed by: Williamsburg Alewerks
From: Williamsburg VA
ABV: 6.35%

Bad news is, didn't make it to Friday Nite Live to listen to the band tonight, mostly because Elizabeth had her wisdom teeth removed yesterday and is still in need of attention. Good news is, no Bud Light......

Day 173 - Hop Hazard

The 2nd from this brewer, and I had high hopes for it. Alas, the name describes the result in drinking this...

The first warning is always the pour into the shot glass, and this one foamed big time. I find that tpyically means the beer won't measure up, and this one was just plain bad. Bad as in, I really don't think I am going to finish it, and didn't even make more than a few mouthfuls.

Specs:

Full Name: Hop Hazard

Brewed By: River Horse Brewing Co

From: Lambertville NJ

ABV: 6.5%

I'm thinking this is just a bad bottle, which is sad, cause I'll never really know if that is the case because why bother trying again, too risky. If I wanted this kind of frsutration and dislike, I could have just gone for the frube in the pipeline.

Ah well, c'est la beer....

Day 172 - Acme

Interesting label, a female Tarzan swinging on a rope carrying a beer. Guess the name alone wasn't going to sell this....

So, another palie, and this one almost reached high levels, but comes up just short. A nice sunset yellow color, and full of hoppiness, but it lacks that hint of underlying sweetness that really makes a great palie. Still, very drinkable, especially when in the mood for something dry and hopped-up.


Specs:

Full Name: Acme IPA
Brewed By: North Coast Brewing Co
From: Fort Bragg, CA
ABV: 6.5%


It's definitely getting more challenging finding beers that 1) I have tried yet and 2) I am inclined to try and 3) are less than $3/bottle. I mean, I really find it hard to spend $4-5/bottle or more if it is a larger size one. That is approaching wine prices, and the $/oz of alcohol favors wine at that point. Still, my commitment is to a different beer every day. Maybe next year I can move to a different mixed drink every day. I still have a long way to go on this journey, and will continue to enjoy the trip... ;>)

Day 171 - Patriot Pale

Well, I've mostly gotten over the trauma of missing my beer last night, mainly on the grounds that all I really had left in the pipeline was a Bud in a can, and seriously, wasn't the Bud Light a few weeks back bad enough...So a trip to the beer store to replenish the pipeline, and away we go again.

Alas, the best part of this one was the name and label. It all started when I poured the shot glass to check the color and it foamed 3/4s of the glass. Actually, the color was a decent burnt orange, but underneath the foam is an average bitter tasting beer. To be honest, I looked the bottle over for "Premium", as this one almost rivals those European imports in flavor.

Specs:

Full Name: Patriot Pale Ale
Brewed by: RJ Rockers Brewing Co
From: Spartanburg SC
ABV: 6%

Hum, the website claims a sweet caramel finish, but I'm not getting it. It definitely does linger in your mouth though, but in a sketchy way... The high foaming early on could be an indication of a bad bottle, so maybe that is the issue. Not likely to try another any time soon, though crazier things have happened.

Day 170 - The Lost Night of No Beer

So, it's the morning of Day 171 and somehow, last night got away from me and I totally neglected my blog, and what's worse, my beer of the day.... At least when I missed the blog because we were out in the woods with no internet, I had a beer to keep the streak going, but not yesterday.

To be honest, I'm still numb from the realization, and will have to collect my thoughts and regroup here. This is new ground. At the least, I need to make a trip to the beer store to stock the pipeline... ;>)

Day 169 - San Miguel Dark

A day trip to Luray VA to go tubing on the Shenandoah, and a lot of casting to catch a handful of sunfish (no bass in evidence, though the water temp was a bathtub 84 so that must have kept them deep).

Somewhat tired, ok, I'm using toothpicks to keep my eyes open, I needed just an easy to drink beer that isn't overly complicated or demanding. This one fits that bill well. Dr Pepper dark, and a nice but not overbearing malt taste, just a simple beer. I would pair it with Mexican food, as it would balance those flavors well.

Specs:

Full Name: San Miguel Dark Lager
Brewed By: San Miguel Corp
From: Manila Phillipines
ABV: 5%


So, if you like dark lagers, or just want a change of pace, go for it. For me, I'm going to sit in front of the TV and fall asleep watching reruns of the Simpsons/Family Guy/South Park (ie whatever Cullen is watching, which is usually one of those...)

Day 168 - Mission St Pale Ale

Another risk tonight, as I only made it by Trader Joe's today, and picked up a couple of options for the pipeline that I hadn't tried yet.


Bleached yellow color, and predominately hops flavor, it is acceptable on a hot summer night after walking the dog and doing some weeding in the garden. There is almost a wheat sweetness undertone though, which keeps it at just average.

Specs:

Full Name: Mission St Pale Ale
Brewed By: Steinhaus Brewing Co
From: Paso Robles CA
ABV: 4.6%

Yet another "made for TJ's" beer, I guess this is just supposed to be the 3 buck chuck of the beer world for them. If you want to save a few bucks and maybe look like you are drinking something decent, perhaps you should try this. It is way beyond the lemon frubee from last night, but then so are many other yellow liquids......

Hum, Cullen still has a couple of H&Is in the fridge, will try to sneak another one so the evening isn't a total loss... ;>)

Day 167 - Summer Shandy

Another friday night spent at friday night live in downtown Herndon rocking to the tunes of Love-Seed Momma Jump.... The great name aside, they play an entertaining mix of songs, but that also means a night of Bud Light. I almost just blogged on that, but then came up with a great idea. Why not break out the frube...

So, a lemon-flavored beer. Absolutely, totally, without any reservation, nasty stuff. Still, not only do I get it out of the pipeline, but Cullen happened back home after maybe 3 oz and was willing to take on the final consumption, so I don't feel pressure to drink it or bad about dumping it down the drain... All in all, a good night (ok, except for the fact that it included Bud Light again...)

Specs:

Full Name: Summer Shandy
Brewed By: Leinenkugel Brewing
From: Chippewa Falls WI
ABV: 4.2%

So, absolutely nothing redeeming about this beer at all. No alcohol, no real beer taste, nothing. Go ahead and drink one if you like frube's, but don't hold me accountable. I'll soon be at the half way point. Going to have to get a special one for that, but until then, back to the beer store to replenish the pipeline this weekend.

Cheers.

Day 166 - Staropramen

It's from Europe, and has the words "Premium Beer" on the label. Hum, that makes it as predictable as the high heat and humidity that blesses us at this time every year...

Classic green bottle (maybe a tad lighter), classic pale yellow color (spot on), and classic bitter no-taste (ditto). Seriously, it is as if the Europeans all got together and decided that Americans are dumb, and shared the same recipe for cheap beer and figured that by labelling alone, they would sell large quantities. I'm thinking they are right as I sit here drinking one....

Specs:

Full Name: Staropramen
Brewed By: Pivoary Strophaven AS
From: Prague Czech Republic
ABV: 5%


As much as I enjoy ragging on these types of beers, notice that I still chose it over the fruited one in the pipeline..... I should have more time to leisurely pick out the next batch this weekend, and am thinking that I may pick a theme for the week like "summer ales" or something. You know, mix it up, be wild and crazy....

Day 165 - Singletrack Copper Ale

So, another brewer blast from the past tonight, and another compelling argument for pulling roots and moving to CO.

Rust-brown light sparkled in the shot glass, earthy malt undertones leading to a soft, yet poignant, hops finish, and yet, still light enough that a thought of a 2nd, or 3rd, or 4th, doesn't diminish the desire. This is a beer you can drink anyplace, any time, though outdoors by a river after a day of fishing would be perfect, or sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold winters night also comes to mind.

Specs:

Full Name: Singletrack Copper Ale
Brewed By: Boulder Beer Company
From: Boulder CO
ABV: 4.97%

Ok, the average ABV probably aids in the easy drinkability of this one, and it comes in 2nd compared to it's pale brother Hazed and Infused, but a darn tasty beer for sure, especially for the days you want a little malt in your life. I'm thinking this is going to be the best out of this 6-pack of recent additions, but will keep an open mind, and throat.....

Day 164 - 400 Pound Monkey

Starting to get to a point where I have to revist some breweries for other varieties to keep the pipeline filled. Good thing is, this means I get to track down some palies I haven't tried.

This one is just ok, and won't take home a prize in a beerty pageant. It has the hops character, but not quite full enough for my taste. Of course, the bottle is still already empty.... ;>)


Specs:

Full Name: 400 Pound Monkey
Brewed By: Left Hand Brewing Co
From: Longmont CO
ABV: 6.0%

Full credit for a creative label, and perhaps another beer made for the more moderate drinkers when they don't want their frubee. I'd drink this one again, but wouldn't buy it given a choice. Of course, it is possible that some beers should be kept cold at all times, and sitting on a shelf warm for a while impacts the flavor. Not planning a trip to CO just to experiment though...

Day 163 - Blanche De Chambly

Another white beer attempt, and not surprisingly, the result is pretty much the same...

The palest of yellows, with an abundance of bubbles, it certainly doesn't lack that bold taste common to this group. Alas, it also bears the characteristic of firmly gripping my tonsils on the way past and not relenquishing until well into my stomach. I have to drink this slowly with much deliberation, and I'm not talking about the thought kind either, but where the act comes from pure determination not to just pour it down the sink instead.

Specs:

Full name: Blance de Chambly
Brewed By: Unibroue
From: Quebec Canada
ABV: 5%

I put this style at barely one notch above the frubees, and to be fair, it is maybe towards the higher end of that. If you like white/wit/wheat beer, then you probably should try this, especially if you like the exotic sounding name and opportunity to wave the pinky finger around whilst drinking it....;>)

Day 162 - Jockamo

A tough fought World Cup final today, with Spain's defense being the difference (as it was all tournament). Unfortunately, I had to leave to go pick up the van after regulation time, so missed the winning goal. Still, at least I was in the beer store getting new pipeline brews, so it was a worthy cause.


Alas, this one comes up short in my opinion. For a palie, it has a distinct malt hit upfront, and only then ends with the expected dryness. This is the 2nd from this brewer, and I think the first was better. It also could be a bad bottle, but that is the way life is, one shot to get a good blog rating (well, 12 oz to be precise... ;>) )

Full Name: Jockamo IPA
Brewed By: Abita Brewing Co
From: Abita Springs LA
ABV: 6.4%

The good news is, I didn't have to drink the frube, which even an average palie beats easily. Admittedly, it is getting a bit tougher to find new beers, and I was somewhat rushed trying to get back to the car to follow the World Cup.

cheers

Day 161 - Orion

The day filled up and went by quickly, thus preventing a trip to replenish the pipeline. Luckily this one was hiding in the back, and I am saved from the fruited beer one more night at least...

So, the label of death "Premium Draft Beer" is bold on the label, and it lives up to the billing the same way all imported beers that make that claim do, which is not. The color is washed out pale yellow, and the taste goes along. Now, that's not to say it is bad, and if you are eating some spicy food where you don't want your beer to compete, then this is an ok choice. The bottle is big, and it is cold, and it will not be a challenge to finish.

Specs:

Full Name: Orion PDB
Brewed By: Orion Breweries
From: Okinawa Japan
ABV: 4.7%

I'm definitely going to have to get out tomorrow and find some more options, by which I mean a few palies. Until then, I might have to sneak that Hazed and Infused Cullen has in the refrig, since he is down in C'ville for Mid-Summers this weekend anyway and doesn't read this blog so won't know... ;>)

Day 160 - Bud Light (at least on tap)

So nice night, free concert in downtown Herndon means limited beer options - so Bud Light draft.

Nothing really to say about the beer, but the bands were decent and loud, so there you have it.
Not really a new beer, but sometimes you just have to play the cards that are dealt, or in this case, drink the beer that is handy.

Will get back to the regular run tomorrow night (besdies, the pipeline is getting low, and I really don't want to do 2 fruited beers in a row...

Have a great weekend!

Day 159 - Casteel Rouge

Tonight adds a count to the ales,
the cherry flavor prevails,
from belgium it comes,
sickly sweet past the gums,
never comes close to the pales....


Specs:

Full Name: Casteel Rouge
Brewed By: Castle Brewery
From: Belgium
ABV: 8%

Must be something about drinking probably the strongest fruited beer to date that brings out the poet in me. Seriously, I again give Cullen kudos for finding beers for my pipeline that I have not had, as well as looking to expand my horizons, but if I didn't see another fruit flavored beer for the rest of my year, I would still be satisified that I gave them a shot. Still, I know there is one more left in the garage, and will not be ignored forever.

I've used this before, but it still applies - the best thing about this beer is that it is only 11.2 oz, not the full 12...

Day 158 - Storm King Stout

So, a stout in summer you ask, is he going crazy? Well, there is a very good reason why that is the case, and as for the beer, I was hoping the name would bring some rain and thus relief form the heat...

A deep dark brown, the color of one of those old time rootbeer hard candies in the shape of a barrel. As one would expect, the flavor is dominated by the heavily roasted malt, but, it has a smooth finish after a bold taste, which is the mark of a good beer in my opinion. It should be like fireworks. You get the wow factor, then a pause, then another wow etc. The only diff is that typically with a beer, there is no grand finale, unless it is the stars you see when you fall down after drinking too many... ;>)

Specs:

Full Name: Storm King Stout
Brewed By: Victory Brewing Co
From: Downingtown PA
ABV: 9.1% (thumbs up!)


So, this is the 2nd or 3rd by this brewer, and I seem to recall that each has been pretty decent. This is maybe a couple of hours away, so perhaps a pilgrimage is in order.

Day 157 - Peak Organic

So, almost halfway through the year, and another first. An "organic" beer. Hum, since beer is made with water, hops, malt and yeast, not sure what can be more organic, but who am i to question the label... ;>)

A golden russet color, lightly roasted malt flavor and overall dry drink, puts this one on the acceptable list.

Specs:

Full Name: Peak Organic Nut Brown Ale
Brewed By: Peak Organic Brewing Company
From: Portland ME (go figure, more Maine beer...)
ABV: 4.7%


They have an IPA that comes in at 7.2% ABV, which I will need to track down. As my fraternity brother Chris Anderson will point out, this one should be drunk when you want to sober up. Of course, he has a rather unique perspective on beer consumption.. ;>)

Day 156 - Remarkable Vanilla Porter

Another beer from those provided by son Cullen, who gets credit for finding ones I haven't had yet. Thus endeth the pleasantries.

Who would have believed that 2 different breweries would have followed this path. It's like watching one of those Friday the 13th movies, when everyone surely can tell the person on the screen is just about to get axed... Admittedly, the porter genre is not my fav, and the last vanilla flavored beer left me gagging. At least the strong roasted malt prevents the vanilla taste for really digging into the taste buds, which is all the good I can say about this one.

Specs:

Full Name: Remarkable Vanilla Porter
Brewed By: Breckenridge Brewery
From: Denver Co
ABV: pfft, not on bottle, and well who cares.

You know, putting the words "remarkable" and "partakable" on the label is just wrong, as it lulls the beer drinker into a false sense that this might actually be good. Seriously, if by chance any brewers actually read this one day, DON'T PUT VANILLA IN YOUR BEER!

Favs remain untouched - Singha, Lion Lager, Hazed and Infused.

Day 155 Tusker

So, July 4th, and over at the Procs for an afternoon/evening on the lake with the extended Proc clan, and voila they produce a new beer for the blog (and gave it to me whilst I can still type and a laptop to type on... ;>) ). This one is somewhat special, as they had it last year on their trip to Africa, and a friend of theirs found some up in MA and gave them to them.

I'm beginning to think the Africans know how to make good lager. Pale yellow pour, and a very refreshing drink. It has a clean, very subtle malt flavor, and after an hour sitting on the dock and another pounding the water with a Rooster Tail for bass, it really hits the spot. Sadly, it is almost gone, way before the blog is over... ;>(

Specs:

Full Name: Tusker Finest Quality Lager
Brewed by: East African Breweries Ltd
From: Nairobi Kenya
ABV: 4.2%

Well, not going to break any records on the ABV, but hey, sometimes it isn't about that. Besides, you could easily drink enough of these to get to the desired level anyways. I need to find where these are sold in the US. Not sure if it beats out the Lion Lager, but it would be a good test to put them side by side.

Day 154 Red Rocket Ale

A return to the Big Bottle Beer, as I found I had one more in the pipeline thanks to Cullen (part of my Fathers Day present).

A second by this brewery, and to be honest, not that different than the first, at least after drinking a bit of it and rereading that blog. It has the same orange-brown color, same hops finish after a malty start. Perhaps there is a difference, but again I feel it is a bit over on the malt side, which makes it somewhat heavy.

Specs:

Full Name: Red Rocket Ale
Brewed By: Bear Republic Brewing Co
From: Cloverdale CA
ABV: 6.8%

Upon reflection, it could be that I am going about this incorrectly, as I could see this as a decent beer when it is cold outside. Perhaps I could try and focus my timing based on the season, and drink lighter ones over the summer and go heavier come next fall/winter. Of course, that would require planning, forethought and my foregoing spontaneous consumption. Yeah right, that's not going to happen... ;>)

Happy 4th weekend. May your bbq's turn out great, and your cooler be filled with good beer.

Day 153 Sapporo

So, out of big bottles, so went with the big can... ;>)

Of course, this one has the "Imported Premium Beer" on the front, which is the kiss of death for any taste in a beer, and while it also claims to be Japan's oldest beer, this one was actually brewed and canned in Canada. The world of beer is indeed crazy sometimes. Alas, this beer is not. It is the palest yellow, and has the palest taste. That said, since it drinks as easily as water, it probably goes with any food, and can be consumed quickly and easily. Such traits are found to be advantageous to some, especially the latter...


Specs:

Full name: Sapporo
Brewed By: Sapporo Brewing Company
From: Ottowa Canada
ABV: 4.9%


So, at least looking for the ABV on the website, I learned a new word - gustatory. I can be bothered to look up the true definition, so making one up was the next step, and given the root word "gust", I figured that it has to do with their brewers having a similiar gas expulsion rate and sound as when you first crack open the can....

It's friday, and a long weekend, so enjoy!

Day 152 - SOB

Yet another from the Big Bottle-Transplanted-From-Maine genre, purchased for its clever label and name.

This one is the color of imperial topaz, a deep tarnished gold. Actually a palie, it is very strong on the hops, but perhaps a tad on the bitter side, and could use some balance. I had a chocolate chip cookie on the side, and that worked well... ;>) Definitely a summer beer.

Specs:

Full name: SOB - Special Old Bitter

Brewed By: Atlantic Brewing Co

From: Bar Harbor ME

ABV: not listed, but would presume north of 6 or 7%

I may have one more left from my ME trip, but this was the last of the 22 ozers. All in all, the state of Maine does ok on the beer front, and I think a pilgrimage from Boston to Bar Harbor would yield some excellent suds. Perhaps a good addition to my bucket list... ;>)